Algal DHA Improves Reading, Behavior in Children

Parents looking to support their children’s performance in schools may want to consider a new study from the University of Oxford documenting the benefits of algal DHA (life’sDHA from DSM Nutritional Lipids).

The four-month study involved 362 healthy UK children (mostly ages 7–9) who typically scored low (less than 33th percentile) on age-standardized word reading tests. The children either took 600 mg/day of algal DHA or a placebo. Those who initially scored especially low (in the 10th or 20th percentile) in reading showed the most significant improvements.

The researchers stated, “The gains from DHA supplementation in these sub-groups of poorer readers were around 20% and 50% greater, respectively, than would normally be expected, helping these children to catch up with their peer group.”

In addition, parents reported less behavior problems (assessing a range of ADHD-type symptoms) with the treatment group, but teachers did not notice this effect.

In the end, the research team stated, “DHA supplementation appears to offer a safe and effective way to improve reading and behavior in healthy but underperforming children from mainstream schools.”